Wayanad, 29 March (H.S.): An 80-year-old woman was injured in a wild elephant attack in Moodakkolli near Kalpetta in Kerala’s Wayanad district early Sunday morning, once again highlighting the growing human-wildlife conflict in the region.

The victim, Thankamma, a native of Kaithavelil, sustained injuries after she was reportedly attacked and thrown by a wild elephant in the courtyard of her house. She is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bathery, where doctors have confirmed a fracture in her leg.

According to local residents, the incident occurred at dawn when Thankamma had stepped out to use the bathroom and was returning to her house. It was at this point that a wild elephant, which had strayed into the residential area, suddenly attacked her. Eyewitnesses said the animal lifted her with its trunk and hurled her to the ground, causing serious injuries.

Residents rushed to her aid immediately after the attack and ensured she was taken to the hospital without delay. Her condition is reported to be stable.

The incident has triggered fresh concern among locals, who say that wild elephant sightings and attacks have become increasingly frequent in the area. Moodakkolli and surrounding regions are known to be vulnerable to such incidents, with elephants often straying into human settlements in search of food.

Local people have once again alleged that the Forest Department has failed to take effective measures to prevent wild animals from entering residential zones. Despite repeated complaints and demands for stronger intervention, residents claim that no lasting solution has been implemented.

The latest attack has intensified calls for urgent action to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad and ensure the safety of people living in forest-fringe areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman